title: A primer on local anesthetics for plastic surgery.
abstract: This article provides some insight into the basic science and concepts relevant to the use of local anesthetics by clinicians in the management of their patients, including a brief history of the development of local anesthetics and their physical properties, effectiveness, uses, limitations, and safety considerations. A generalized overview of the mechanism of action is also provided. The molecular detail of local anesthetics and voltage-gated ion channels can form the basis of understanding of (1) future developments in this area, and (2) toxicity. Most of the peer-reviewed literature related to this topic stems from work in adult humans and animals.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, 1151 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada. Electronic address: kevin.armstrong@sjhc.london.on.ca.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Armstrong
mesh_terms: D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local
keywords: Complications; Duration of action; Local anesthetics; Mechanism; Sodium channel; Tumescent anesthesia